Encountering the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error while browsing the web can be frustrating, as it indicates that the website you’re trying to access took too long to respond, resulting in a timeout. This error can occur due to various reasons, including network issues, server problems, or browser configurations. In this article, we’ll explore several troubleshooting steps to help you fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error and get back to browsing without interruptions.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
The first step in resolving the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is to ensure that your internet connection is stable and working correctly. Check if other devices connected to the same network are experiencing similar issues. If possible, try accessing the website from a different device or network to determine if the problem is specific to your connection.
2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Cached data and cookies stored in your browser can sometimes cause connection issues and trigger the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To clear the cache and cookies in your browser, go to the settings or preferences menu, navigate to the privacy or history section, and select the option to clear browsing data. Choose the appropriate time range and types of data to clear, then restart your browser and try accessing the website again.
3. Disable Browser Extensions
Browser extensions or add-ons installed in your browser can sometimes interfere with website connections and cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Temporarily disable all extensions in your browser and try accessing the website again to see if the error persists. If the error disappears after disabling extensions, re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit.
4. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Firewall or antivirus software installed on your computer may block connections to certain websites, resulting in the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Check your firewall and antivirus settings to ensure that they’re not blocking the website you’re trying to access. Consider adding the website to the list of trusted sites or temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus software to see if it resolves the error.
5. Flush DNS Cache
Flushing the DNS cache can help resolve DNS-related issues that may be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To flush the DNS cache in Windows, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command “ipconfig /flushdns.” On macOS, open the Terminal and run the command “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.” After flushing the DNS cache, restart your browser and try accessing the website again.
6. Use a Different DNS Server
Sometimes, using a different DNS server can help resolve DNS-related issues and improve website connectivity. Try switching to a different DNS server, such as Google DNS or OpenDNS, and see if it resolves the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. You can change your DNS settings in your network adapter properties or router settings.
7. Restart Your Router
Restarting your router can help resolve network issues that may be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Simply unplug your router from the power source, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to restart. Once the router has restarted, try accessing the website again to see if the error persists.
The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve it and get back to browsing the web without interruptions. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can identify and address the underlying issues causing the error and ensure a smoother browsing experience. If you continue to encounter the error after trying these steps, consider contacting your internet service provider or seeking further assistance from a technical expert.